Historically, whenever presented with a new mobile opportunity it was probably for a minimum three months with the possibility to prolong it if the match between you and the hospital proved copacetic. On the other hand, if all you wanted was an assignment for that brief period, then that was OK, too, because another opportunity would be available somewhere else. That was the norm for years and part of the reason why nurses, therapists, and other healthcare practitioners opted for a life on the road. But there is little to call normal this year.

The above excerpt preludes the feature article from this month’s Healthcare Traveler magazine which addresses the changing scope of travel nursing assignments in 2009. Whereas the traditional travel nursing job was a standard 13-week commitment, followed by the ability to jet off to your next dream destination, the current state of the economy has forced nurses to open themselves up to shorter term and longer term assignments based on their personal schedules and goals. While most experts foresee the landscape shifting back towards more of a traditional model over the upcoming months, this article demonstrates how unconventional thinking can help you find the excitement and job security you’re looking for in today’s market.